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PEX vs. Copper

As the price of copper rises, plumbers nation-wide are looking for a new, cost-effective plumbing system to use for home and commercial installations. Many are turning to PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) plumbing systems because of their distinct advantages over copper tubing. Although relatively new to the United States, PEX plumbing has been successfully used in Europe for over 40 years. Many new homes are beginning to be built with PEX systems due to its ease of installation and lower cost . Copper tubing is vulnerable to corrosion and deposit build-ups, which can compromise the integrity of a home’s plumbing system. These flaws are not inherent in PEX plumbing systems, which remain clear of deposit build-up because of their smooth inner surface and chemical composition. Copper piping also suffers from water hammer noise as a result of rapid valve opening and closing. A PEX water delivery system removes the possibility of any such noise from occurring leaving homeowners with a quiet and reliable plumbing structure. Under freezing conditions, PEX does not lose its structural integrity which can happen with copper systems. PEX will expand and contract with temperature changes eliminating the possibility of a compromised system.

In addition to its many advantages, plumbers today prefer PEX over copper tubing because it’s easy to install. PEX pipes and fittings do not require any sweating or soldering unlike copper pipe installations. By reducing installation time, costs are lowered. In addition, work-site safety for plumbers increases, reducing insurance costs. Cross-linked polyethylene weighs considerably less than copper plumbing allowing for speedier installation times, which saves the homeowner time and money. The flexible nature of PEX piping means that special fittings are not required such as corner or elbow fittings, further reducing costs. In addition, the linkage systems utilized with PEX piping do not rely on any adhesives or sealants allowing for a much cleaner work area and installation. One of the biggest problems with the use of copper piping in commercial installations is its susceptibility to work place theft. Copper has a high re-sale value making it a target for thieves. Fortunately, PEX is not a re-sale component which makes it ideal for commercial construction. In today’s world, “green” construction is essential in building homes and commercial structures. PEX offers a precise advantage over copper piping in this regard. It has a smaller carbon footprint than copper, requiring less energy to produce and making it an ideal construction material.

In addition to its construction advantages, PEX system elements provide an overall better experience for homeowners. These systems include a central manifold in which one can control the flow to every fixture in an installation. Such manifolds are not available with copper plumbing systems. PEX tubes also provide a faster hot water delivery rate over copper piping, which can help to reduce energy costs. As newer construction projects are completed, it becomes apparent that PEX plumbing systems are vastly superior to the older copper systems. PEX provides ease of installation with significant cost-reductions, making it the superior choice in plumbing products.

PEX Tubing, Taco Circulator Pumps, Takagi Tankless Water Heaters